Redding says police captains will run RPD as city looks to hire new chief
In an announcement today, the city said three police captains will rotate through chief responsibilities this summer until an interim chief takes over in August. The mayor said a new police chief may start in September or October.
The city of Redding has announced its plan of leadership transition following Police Chief Brian Barner’s recent retirement.
Barner’s last day in office was yesterday, although his retirement is not officially effective until Sept. 22. Amid recruitment efforts for the next police chief, a rotational schedule of RPD captains has been implemented to ensure leadership and operational responsibilities are continued.
From now until July 12, Captain Brian Cole will serve as acting chief, followed by Captain Regan Ortega until July 26, followed by Captain Chris Smyrnos until Aug. 9, according to a city press release.
The city said today that an interim police chief has been selected, but it did not identify who will serve in that role. The interim will assume the role in early August, the city said, and is expected to serve until the new chief is hired.
In response to questions, Mayor Mike Littau said the city manager and staff seem confident in a September or October start date for the new police chief. He explained that once a chief is selected by the city manager, the matter will go to the city council for approval. He said the timing of the new chief’s start date depends on when they would be available to begin, depending on their timeline with their current employer.
The city said today that the recruitment process has generated significant interest from candidates nationwide. Interviews are scheduled to immediately follow the closing of the recruitment period this Sunday, and additional updates will be announced once the process is complete and a new chief has been selected.
“The City is confident in the leadership within the Redding Police Department and appreciates the professionalism and commitment of the department’s command staff during this transition,” said City Manager William Tarbox in the release. “We are focused on maintaining the high level of service, responsiveness, and trust our community expects while we complete this important recruitment process.”
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Oh the same Captain Regan Ortega who falsely accused a City of Redding employee on social media after his false arrest for rape “describing crimes now known to be falsely attributed to him in disturbing detail, noting officers had spoken with an underage victim and other witnesses?”
After branding a man guilty on social media, her and two other RPD officers have been named in $12 million defamation suit.
https://shastascout.org/after-branding-an-innocent-man-as-guilty-on-social-media-three-rpd-officers-have-been-named-in-12-million-defamation-suit/
Or Captain Chris Smyrnos who had a beard growing contest with his pal RPD Corporal Will Williams, arrested by CHP for 138 pounds of processed marijuana, 332 marijuana plants, 30 grams of cocaine, $59,000 and two firearms?
Did not know about that when you worked in the RPD Professional Standards Unit?
Yea right…
https://krcrtv.com/news/local/former-redding-police-corporal-arrested-on-felony-charges-on-thursday
Wonder who his “clients” were?
People really need to look these officers up on the “Brady List”
What about the former female Redding officer suing the department over sexual harassment and wrongful termination?
Bet all three of these Captains turned their back on her…
https://krcrtv.com/news/local/former-redding-officer-sues-department-over-sexual-harassment-and-wrongful-termination
Officer Jacob Provencio not available for acting chief role?